The name Sterling is of English origin and has a rich history behind it. It is derived from the Old English word "stercling" which means "little star". The name was initially used as a surname, referring to someone who worked at a mint or was an official assayer of coins.
Over time, the name Sterling evolved into a given name for boys and has since become quite popular. According to the Social Security Administration, it ranked among the top 1000 most popular names for boys in the United States between 2008 and 2017.
The name Sterling is often associated with purity, excellence, and strength. This is likely due to its original meaning of "little star" and its connection to coins, which were once made of sterling silver. Today, people may choose the name Sterling for their child because they want them to grow up to be bright, shining stars in their own right.
In literature, the name Sterling has been used by several notable authors. One example is John Sterling, a character in Charles Dickens' novel "David Copperfield". Additionally, the name was used as a stage name by American rapper and singer, Michael Raynor, who goes by the name Sterling K. Brown professionally.
Overall, the name Sterling has a strong historical background and carries with it a sense of prestige and excellence. It is a popular choice for parents looking to give their child a unique yet meaningful name.
The name Sterling experienced varied popularity over the past century, with significant increases starting from the late 1970s. Between 1913 and 1967, annual births ranged from a low of 5 to a high of 10, with no clear trends. However, beginning in 1968, there was a notable rise in popularity, with births increasing to 14 in 1970. This upward trend continued through the 1970s and 1980s, peaking at 25 births in 1983. After a brief decline in the early 1990s, Sterling's popularity surged again from the mid-1990s onwards, reaching an all-time high of 182 births in 2020 and 179 in 2023. Overall, the name Sterling has been chosen for a total of 3284 babies since 1913.